The World Greatest Magician Is A Fraud

As Luke watched the boys diligently working in the field, he was surprised when they noticed him. They called out to him with enthusiasm, their voices filled with excitement.

"Hey, Bug Brother Luke! Come join us!" one of the boys shouted, waving him over.

Luke hesitated for a moment, unsure of his place in this new setting. But when Ivory said,

"Come on, Luke, it'll be fun," he felt a sense of encouragement that he couldn't refuse.

With a nod, Luke made his way over to the starting point of the field, where Ivory stood ready to guide him. Ivory seemed to assume that Luke knew what to do, but seeing the uncertainty on Luke's face, he began to explain the process.

"We're planting carrots today. It's simple once you get the hang of it. First, roll up your pants and sleeves. And take off your sandals. You don't want to get them dirty."

Luke followed Ivory's lead, rolling up his pants and sleeves and slipping off his sandals. The feeling of the cool, damp earth beneath his feet was both strange and grounding. Ivory then demonstrated how to prepare the soil, dig a small hole, place the seed, and cover it back up.

"Make sure to plant them about this far apart," Ivory said, measuring the distance with his hands. "This way, they'll have enough room to grow."

Mimicking Ivory's movements, Luke started to plant the carrot seeds. He found the rhythm of the task calming and therapeutic. The repetitive motion allowed his mind to wander, reflecting on the stark contrast between his current life and his past.

For the first time in a long while, Luke felt a sense of belonging. The children worked alongside him, their laughter and chatter creating a harmonious backdrop to their labour. They occasionally glanced his way, offering smiles and words of encouragement. He realized that this simple act of planting vegetables was bringing him a sense of happiness he had never known.

As he worked, memories of his tragic past surfaced. He thought about his parents' neglect, their eventual suicide, and the violent circumstances that had shaped his early life. The pain and darkness of those memories were still present, but here, in the fields of Purewood, they seemed a little less overwhelming.

The support and kindness he was receiving from the people around him—people who barely knew him but were willing to accept him without question—was a stark contrast to the isolation and sorrow he had known before. Each time a boy ran up to show him a perfectly planted row or to ask for his help, Luke felt a little more connected, a little more valued.

Ivory noticed the change in Luke's demeanour.

"You're doing great, Luke," he said, patting him on the back. "You're a natural at this."

Luke smiled, genuinely touched by the compliment.

"Thanks, Mr Ivory. It's my first time doing anything like this. I never realized how fulfilling it could be."

"It's not just about the planting. It's about being part of something bigger than yourself. We all contribute, and we all benefit. That's the beauty of our community," Ivory nodded, understanding.

As the morning wore on, Luke's initial hesitation faded completely. He began to enjoy the feel of the soil, the warmth of the sun on his back, and the camaraderie of the children and Ivory. He started to understand what it meant to be happy in a way that was simple and profound—a happiness that came from being useful, from being part of a community that cared for him.

By the time they finished planting the last row of carrots, Luke was tired but content. His hands were dirty, his muscles ached slightly, but his heart felt lighter. He had found a sense of peace and purpose in this small, unexpected corner of the world. And for the first time, he allowed himself to hope that maybe, just maybe, he could build a new life here.

With the last row of carrots planted, it was finally noon. From the edge of the fields, a woman's voice called out, summoning everyone for lunch. Luke, Ivory, and all the children began making their way out of the fields, their stomachs rumbling with anticipation.

At a well nearby, they took turns cleaning themselves off. The cool water felt refreshing against Luke's skin, washing away the dirt and sweat from their hard work. The children chattered excitedly, their energy undiminished despite the morning's labour.

As they reached the dining area, they found a spread of food laid out on long tables. The wives of the farmers had prepared a feast that was both hearty and inviting. Father Wingate and Sister Maria were already there, waiting for them with smiles.

The meal was a mix of familiar and exotic dishes. There were plates of fresh vegetables, breads, and cheeses. But what caught Luke's eye were the more unusual offerings: roasted mongoose meat and a stew that looked and smelled delicious, though its contents were a mystery to him.

Luke hesitated for a moment before trying the mongoose meat. The children and farmers seemed to enjoy it, so he decided to give it a try. Taking a bite, he was surprised at how tender and flavorful it was. The seasoning brought out a rich taste that he had never experienced before. Despite his initial reservations about eating such an animal, Luke had to admit that it was delicious.

During the meal, Ivory remembered his earlier promise.

"Luke, remember about the tiger milk?" he asked with a grin.

"Yes?" Luke answered.

"Why don't you find out?" Ivory said, handing him a cup filled with the creamy liquid.

Luke took the cup, his curiosity piqued. He took a big gulp, trying to hold his breath and hoping he could swallow it without tasting it. But he couldn't avoid the flavour. To his surprise, it wasn't bad at all. There was no musty smell like he had expected from goat's milk. Instead, it was rich and slightly sweet, with a thicker consistency than the cow's milk he was used to.

"Not bad," Luke said, genuinely impressed. "I was expecting something much worse."

"See? It's an acquired taste, but once you get used to it, you'll find it's quite enjoyable," Ivory laughed.

As they continued to eat, Luke felt a sense of belonging growing within him. The warmth of the community, the shared laughter, and the delicious food made him feel more at home than he had in years. He looked around at the smiling faces, feeling grateful for this unexpected turn in his life.

Father Wingate raised his cup, drawing everyone's attention.

"To hard work and good company," he said, his voice full of warmth.

"To hard work and good company," everyone echoed, raising their cups in unison.

Luke joined in the toast, feeling a deep sense of connection to these people. Despite the unfamiliar surroundings and the strange new foods, he was beginning to see Purewood not just as a place to pass through, but as a potential home. Here, amidst the fields and the kind-hearted people, Luke felt a flicker of hope that maybe, just maybe, he had found a place where he could truly belong.

As lunch wrapped up, the group from the cathedral began to pack up and prepare for their return. The children, their bellies full and spirits high, helped gather their belongings, while Father Wingate and Sister Maria spoke with the farmers, expressing their gratitude for the hospitality.

Luke, still savouring the taste of the unusual but delicious meal, joined in the efforts. He watched as the farmers loaded crates filled with fresh vegetables, meats, and dairy products into a large, sturdy carriage. The sight of the crates and woven sacks being packed reminded him of how intertwined the cathedral and the farming community were. This relationship, built on mutual support and respect, was evident in every aspect of their interaction.

One of the farmers, a robust man named Hal, approached with a broad smile.

"Father Wingate, we have a bit extra this season. Thought you could make good use of it at the cathedral."

"Your generosity is always appreciated, Hal. The children will benefit greatly from this bounty," Father Wingate nodded appreciatively.

Hal turned and called out, and to Luke's astonishment, a large, majestic tiger padded over. The animal moved with a grace that belied its size, and the children's eyes widened in awe. Hal attached the tiger to the front of the carriage, securing it with well-worn leather harnesses.

Luke couldn't help but marvel at the sight. It was one thing to ride a tiger, as he had seen Gareth do and he had done with Tora as well in panic. The tiger stood patiently, its powerful muscles rippling under its sleek fur, ready to pull the carriage.

With everything packed and ready, Father Wingate and Sister Maria gathered the children. The boys, still buzzing with energy, helped secure the crates, while the girls made sure everyone was accounted for. Luke found himself falling into step with them, feeling more integrated into this makeshift family with each passing moment.

"Alright, everyone," Sister Maria called out, her voice clear and steady. "Let's head back. We have a long walk ahead of us."

The procession began to move, the children walking in pairs, their chatter filling the air with a lively hum. Luke took a moment to glance back at the fields, now a patchwork of freshly planted vegetables, and felt a sense of accomplishment. It was hard work, but the reward was not just in the fruits of their labour, but in the bonds they were forming.

As they made their way back to the cathedral, the tiger pulled the carriage effortlessly, a testament to the strength and resilience of both the animal and the community it served. The path wound through the fields and over the bridge, offering Luke another chance to take in the sights and sounds of Purewood.

The city, with its outdated charm and a strong sense of community, was beginning to feel less like a strange place and more like a sanctuary. The presence of Father Wingate, Sister Maria, and the children provided a sense of stability and belonging that Luke had long yearned for.

By the time they reached the cathedral, the sun was beginning to dip in the sky, casting a warm glow over the city. The children, tired but happy, helped unload the carriage, their laughter and camaraderie a fitting end to a day of hard work and shared joy.

Luke looked around, feeling a profound sense of contentment. For the first time in a long while, he felt like he was part of something meaningful. As they settled back into the familiar routine of the cathedral, Luke knew that he was beginning to find his place in this new, unexpected chapter of his life.